Best Professional Development Grants for Teachers in Maine

The K–12 Educators Grants in American Music, offered by the American Musicological Society, provides $500 awards to K-12 educators with an interest in American music to attend the Teaching Music History Conference. This grant supports educators in engaging with historical pedagogy through workshops and networking opportunities. Participants will explore American music's significance while developing actionable lesson plans, fostering connections among educators and researchers committed to enhancing music education.

Classroom teachers in grades 4–12 in Maine and across the U.S. can receive US $500 in paid, virtual professional development to explore global health inequities through journalism. With a mission to support innovative reporting, Pulitzer Center provides educators with workshops, a digital badge, and 30 professional learning units for implementing a civic engagement lesson.

K–12 health and physical education professionals in Maine who are long-term SHAPE America members can be nominated for this national Hall of Fame recognition honoring exceptional careers in teaching, coaching, administration, or research. This Society of Health and Physical Educators award may benefit educators focused on teacher development, training, and school-based physical and health education programs.

Secondary school theatre educators in Maine can use this grant to fund professional development, training workshops, and classroom theatre technology needs. With a mission to connect performing arts design and technology communities, United States Institute for Theatre Technology provides up to US $500 for registrations, travel, supplies, software, and instructional equipment.

Teacher development and training professionals in Maine working in earth science education can be honored for long-term service through the Robert Christman Distinguished Service Award. The National Association of Geoscience Teachers recognizes individuals who have provided distinguished service to the Association, with recipients chosen by its Executive Committee from member nominations.

Organizations, groups, and individuals offering geoscience education or teacher training in Maine can seek sponsorship support for programs or single events; funding is available nationwide, including Maine. National Association of Geoscience Teachers sponsorships back long-term initiatives or short-term activities that align with its mission, ethics policy, and code of conduct and acknowledge NAGT in materials.

Geoscience educators involved with the Journal of Geoscience Education’s peer-review process can receive US $500 awards recognizing exceptional, timely, and frequent reviews. Grants from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers help Maine teacher development and training professionals, including JGE authors and Editorial Board members, honor colleagues who significantly strengthen geoscience education scholarship.

With a mission to promote geoscience education, National Association of Geoscience Teachers provides Maine teacher development and training professionals with the JGE Outstanding Paper Award. Eligible JGE readers, authors, and Editorial Board members can nominate scholarly articles that advance geoscience education; selected authors receive US $500 in recognition of their work.

Maine geoscience educators focused on stimulating interest in Earth sciences can access recognition and support through the Neil Miner Award. Maine teacher development and training professionals may be nominated by National Association of Geoscience Teachers members for exceptional contributions to Earth science education, with nominations including tailored letters of support and a curriculum vitae.

About

It is the mission of the Community Foundation of Whitley County to inspire philanthropy, enrich community, and serve donors by creating an enduring source of charitable assets.

Whitley County Retired Teachers’ Association Scholarship

Established by the Whitley County Retired Teachers’ Association to ensure students pursue the field of teaching, this scholarship is available to a graduating senior from any public high school in Whitley County who is planning to attend a 4-year college or university in pursuit of a Baccalaureate degree. 

The Bernice Carver Scholarship of Hope, established by the family of Don and Barbara Frey, honors the legacy of Bernice Carver, a dedicated educator. This scholarship supports Whitley County seniors from Columbia City, Churubusco, or Whitko High School who have a minimum 2.2 GPA and aspire to careers in nursing, teaching, or science. Emphasizing good citizenship and a quest for knowledge, the scholarship reflects Miss Carver's admirable character and commitment to education.

The Alaska Community Foundation

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives.

Scholarships at ACF

Each year, more than 60 scholarships are available to Alaska students—and it all starts with one simple application. With one login and one application, you’ll be considered for every scholarship you may be eligible for. Whether you’re taking your first step toward college, training for a career, or continuing your education, these scholarships are here to help carry you forward, backed by donors who believe in Alaska’s students and the futures they’re building. 

CARTA Scholarship Endowment Fund - Liability

Central Alaska Retired Teachers' Association Scholarship Fund was established to provide financial support for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in education or working towards certifications that will enable them to become teachers or administrators in the public schools.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Noble Arent Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Ludington Area School District, which established the Noble Arent Memorial Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

This fund shall provide scholarships to a graduating Ludington High School senior member of the National Honor Society. This student must pursue a degree in the Field of Education at any four-year accredited college or university.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

We work side-by-side with local donors and nonprofits to tackle the most important challenges our Valley faces.

Our Board and staff are completely dedicated to the people and causes of Napa Valley and represent communities from American Canyon to Calistoga. They share skills, perspectives and the collaborative spirit that define our Napa Valley diversity.

Judith B. Cutcomb Scholarship

The Judith B. Cutcomb Scholarship is offered by CalRTA Napa Valley and administered by Napa Valley Community Foundation. It is awarded in memory of Judith B. Cutcomb, a St. Helena educator. The Cutcomb Scholarship supports current St. Helena Unified School District teachers who are continuing their education or graduates of St. Helena High School studying to be educators. Previous recipients of the scholarship are eligible to reapply.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

We work side-by-side with local donors and nonprofits to tackle the most important challenges our Valley faces.

Our Board and staff are completely dedicated to the people and causes of Napa Valley and represent communities from American Canyon to Calistoga. They share skills, perspectives and the collaborative spirit that define our Napa Valley diversity.

Edward W. Solomon Scholarship

The Edward W. Solomon Scholarship is offered by CalRTA Napa Valley and administered by Napa Valley Community Foundation. It is awarded in memory of Dr. Edward W. Solomon. The Solomon Scholarship is given to support current Napa County teachers/educators who are continuing their education. Previous recipients of the scholarship are eligible to reapply.

In addition, applicants must demonstrate the potential for academic success by having been accepted in an upcoming college or university upper division or graduate level education program or course. Community college courses are acceptable only for current teachers who want/need to supplement their credential authorizations, and if the community college course is acceptable to the CTC Credentialing Office.

Council of Independent Colleges (CIC)Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society.

CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.NetVUE Grants for Fostering Leadership for Communities of FaithThis grant program provides funding for institutions that are working to augment their support for students who are considering possible callings to leadership roles in communities of faith.

Grant funds should be used to develop or extend programming for students, and/or professional development for faculty members and staff, with the goal of connecting students to local faith communities and supporting them as they explore and discern their callings. Initiatives may be developed within or across a variety of academic departments and campus offices, and should involve leaders of one or more faith communities near campus. NetVUE Grants for Fostering Leadership for Communities of Faith may be requested in amounts ranging up to $60,000 for use over two years to develop new programs, or to strengthen existing programs, that support students as they consider vocations of leadership for communities of faith.

The Council of Independent Colleges

Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society.

CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.

NetVUE Grant Programs

NetVUE offers a variety of grants to member institutions, supporting programming for students and professional development for faculty members and staff. Grants support projects ranging from one to four years in length. Grant programs are tailored to differing circumstances among member institutions, including their particular areas of interest, their bandwidth and capacity for administering projects, and the depth of their previous engagement with vocational exploration and discernment. NetVUE grants are administered by the Council of Independent Colleges, with generous support from Lilly Endowment Inc.

NetVUE Professional Development Awards

Colleges and universities that are members of NetVUE are committed to campus activities that encourage vocational exploration by students. Many NetVUE campus leaders have observed, however, that supplemental funding at even modest levels to support opportunities for the professional development of staff and faculty members would enable their institutions to strengthen vocational exploration programming. In an era of careful institutional budgeting, institutional operating funds are not always available for such professional development opportunities. NetVUE Professional Development Awards seek to address this need.

NetVUE Professional Development Awards may be requested for use over one year for professional development activities that enhance the knowledge, skills, and expertise of faculty and staff members who play important roles in undergraduate vocational initiatives. The purpose of this grant is to develop campus conversations about vocation and to deepen the capacity of those who lead vocational exploration efforts at NetVUE member institutions. A special initiative within this grant, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion, allows for proposals of up to $25,000.

Funds may be used for a range of purposes, but not to substitute for faculty and staff costs that the institution is presently providing for its vocational exploration activities. Grant funds could, for example, support reading groups, faculty/staff retreats, or bringing speakers to campus; funds may be used to provide materials, pay expenses for travel and/or meals, and offer modest stipends.

About Association of Legal Writing Directors (ALWD) ALWD supports its members’ professional development as teachers, scholars, and leaders through both teaching and scholarship grants. These grants provide funding for legal writing professionals to pursue their scholarly interests and to develop innovative teaching materials. In funding grants, ALWD focuses on providing resources to those who do not have other sources of funding for these endeavors.

ALWD also supports projects that preserve the history of ALWD, honor community contributions, and make ALWD’s history accessible to scholars, teachers, and practitioners into the future.ALWD Teaching GrantsIn furtherance of ALWD’s commitment to the professional development of legal research and writing faculty, ALWD funds annual teaching grants that allow legal writing faculty to spend their summers exploring innovative teaching ideas and producing teaching tools, materials, and curriculum that will assist others in the field. 

About Us

For over three decades, the Hamilton Education Foundation (HEF) has been sparking innovation and expanding horizons within our classrooms. Since 1991, this community-powered non-profit has channeled more than $2.5 million from passionate individuals, local businesses, and forward-thinking organizations directly into the hands of Hamilton’s students and teachers. 

By funding transformative workshops, creative projects, and classroom grants, HEF doesn't just support education—it inspires students to dream bigger, rewards academic excellence, and builds a stronger, more vibrant community.

Our Vision

The vision of the Hamilton Education Foundation is to assist in achieving creative and academic excellence for the 21st Century through funding activities and projects for students and educators in the Hamilton School District.

Our Mission

Our mission, in partnership with the community, is to fund, Enhanced, Extended, and Enriched learning opportunities for students and educators in the Hamilton School District.

Teacher Grants

Educator Enrichment Grant

The Educator Enrichment Grant funds teacher participation in off-campus professional development, including seminars, workshops, conferences, and externships. 

Wallingford Education Foundation

Our Mission

The Wallingford Education Foundation is a non-profit, community-based partnership supporting educational innovation and excellence in our town.

Our Vision

The Wallingford Education Foundation empowers ideas and enhances educational experiences for students, educators and community members. It provides financial support outside the education budget that is aligned with the goals and focus areas of the school district’s strategic plan.

Professional Development Grant

Transformative impacts often result from staff members who choose to attend professional development programs. Typically, these opportunities are funded through the town’s annual school budget. However, the district may not be financially able to meet each request. Through the Professional Development Grant program, the Wallingford Education Foundation (WEF) provides additional funding for employees of Wallingford Public Schools to attend conferences hosted outside the district.

The Professional Grant program offers paired grants of $1,000 each for two Wallingford Public Schools staff members to attend the same professional development opportunity together OR single grants of up to $2,000 for an individual to attend a conference alone. Multiple grants are awarded yearly.

The Human Trafficking Youth Prevention Education (HTYPE) Demonstration Program aims to empower local education agencies (LEAs) by funding initiatives that equip school staff to identify and respond to human trafficking signs. Collaborating with nonprofit partners, LEAs will provide students with essential knowledge on avoiding victimization and recognizing trafficking indicators. This program fosters a safer school environment by establishing reporting procedures and safety plans in consultation with local law enforcement, ultimately enhancing awareness and prevention of human trafficking in educational settings.

The Professional Formation of Engineers: Research Initiation in Engineering Formation (PFE: RIEF) program aims to foster research in the Professional Formation of Engineers (PFE) while expanding the community of researchers in this field. It targets early-career Principal Investigators (PIs) with limited experience in social science or education research, enabling them to develop expertise in engineering education research and address critical challenges in engineering formation.

The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program aims to enhance the library and archival workforce by addressing community information needs and strengthening institutional capacities. It supports innovative projects that explore alternative pathways into library services, advance continuing education, and foster recruitment and retention of future professionals. By focusing on diverse training and development, the program seeks to cultivate a new generation of library leaders equipped to meet evolving challenges.

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs

A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.

EdTA Membership Grant

Theatre matters.

It belongs in our classrooms and communities – now more than ever. Yet the role of the theatre educator has become increasingly complex, and financial support is often uncertain or even eliminated.

To help meet this moment, the Educational Theatre Foundation is proud to introduce the EdTA Membership Grant.

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Educator & Program Grants

Giving school theatre programs a boost

The Thespian Growth & Excellence Fund is committed to supporting the ongoing development of theatre programs and the pursuit of excellence for educators, students, schools, and communities by offering a number of grants that assist in EdTA membership, teacher support, and programmatic resources for theatre in schools.

By the end of 2024, the Thespian Growth and Excellence Fund has awarded 349 grants to 276 schools, totaling $286,167 in assistance provided to school theatre programs, many at schools with Title 1 designations.

Educator Support ($500)

Can be used for professional development for theatre educators that would benefit their students, including coursework, EdTA’s Theatre Education Conference registration fees, and related travel expenses.

The National Endowment for the Humanities invites K-12 teachers and higher education faculty to apply for the Landmarks of American History and Culture and Summer Institutes program. This initiative aims to enhance humanities education through professional development opportunities, fostering a deeper understanding of historical and cultural landmarks. Participants will engage in enriching experiences designed to improve teaching practices and student learning outcomes in the humanities.

We are about helping children, right here in Marietta!

Kiwanis Club of Marietta members participate in service projects, hold fundraisers, and change children’s lives in our community. In addition, club members contribute to Kiwanis International initiatives helping clubs around the world assist children with education, basic needs, and medical care.

The Kiwanis Club of Marietta was chartered March 3, 1930 - Marietta, GA.

The Kiwanis Club of Marietta has proudly established and contributed to several scholarship endowments over the years to support deserving college students in our community. These scholarships are made possible through our club's Flag Project, which places over 1,300 American flags in front of homes and businesses five times each year.

Mack Henderson Special Education Scholarship

This is a scholarship established in 1991 by the Marietta Kiwanis Foundation and renamed in 2024 to honor an outstanding longtime Kiwanian and Cobb County community leader Mack Henderson.

This scholarship is available to assist a teacher or student accepted into an accredited college or university who is pursuing a major or certification in the field of special education. Selection emphasis will be placed on academic achievement and character, with priority given to current or former Cobb or Marietta students.

Awards

• $2500